I had never been to Oregon (or the PNW for that matter) before we moved out to this region last summer, but let me tell you: there is a reason why Portland is so trendy these days. Although it's changing and growing a ton, along with the rest of the Upper Left, there's still a lot of the city's original character to see.

Bonney's 1904 Portland home is one of those character spots that is standing the test of time. From Bonney:

My whole house is pretty classic Pacific Northwest. It’s vintage, eclectic, and improvised. It’s a really genuine representation of my personality. Everything in here has a story. My mom has had a huge influence on my style. She and I spent a lot of weekends during my childhood rummaging through yard sales and thrift shops. I really love to surround myself with things that have a past, even if I don’t know what that past is. 

There is a tribute in every corner of this home, perhaps to someone Bonney knows intimately or an unknown person whose beloved belongings ended up in a thrift store and are now cherished here. In the same way, Bonney is also paying tribute to the homeowners before her by living in and loving this space today.

My house was built in 1904, and as soon as I walked in, all the details and charm immediately caught my eye, especially the corner hutch and the curved staircase! I love feeling like I’m a part of the home’s history, as well as the home being a part of mine. My mother was a real estate agent before becoming a history teacher, and she instilled in me a deep love of old homes. 

I want my home to feel warm and nostalgic. The matriarchs of my family have passed down a few of my favorite pieces. My dining room table originally belonged to my great-grandmother; my grandmother sewed the quilt on the back of my couch, and there are countless things scattered around that were given to me by my mother. It’s really humbling being around so many things that meant something to the women that came before me.

So much of my house has been found or thrifted, but I’ll scrimp and save for a beautiful rug. They feel like such a luxury, and are an easy way to completely change a room. Good rugs are never a mistake.

You know what's also never a mistake? Using said vintage rug as a headboard - pure brilliance, Bonney!

And even though they may occasionally suffer from short life spans, Bonney also will never turn down a good plant.

I’ve got a lot of plants, and I try my hardest with them, but I’m only human. I always hear of these real grown ups that have watering schedules- I water when I feel like it, and only the strong survive. Every time I get a new plant, I whisper to it “you won’t end up like the others, I promise.”

This home is nothing if not warm, welcoming, and nostalgic. Bonney, thank you so much for welcoming us in!

Follow Bonney along on Instagram @prettygoodpdx for more nostalgia and design.

While I sit here and reminisce, let's take a trip to DC, where I lived at the start of this year. We're off to explore Sara's rental in our nation's capitol. Sara's one-bedroom spot is a step-up spatially from the studio she once had - the same spot that inspired her to start sharing her design tips in the first place.

I started my blog because I didn’t find enough resources for studio apartment decorating and living when I first moved into my own studio apartment in DC a 4 years ago. I’ve since upgraded to a one bedroom, but after living in studios and apartments under 800 square feet, I really enjoy the process of designing a space on a budget and that’s entirely renter-friendly. It will probably be awhile before I own a place, so the challenges of making a rental your own are really fun. If your home or apartment is a rental and a place where you spend a lot of time, it should make you happy and reflect your style. Whether it’s new paint, changing out the hardware, adding art or anything else- I believe every home can be beautiful- rental or not! 

Sara has pulled together the perfect home base escape, with mid-century, Parisian, and Cali cool vibes throughout.

I strive for my home to be inviting, stylish, yet approachable. I want people to admire the space, but also feel comfortable to sit anywhere and put their feet up. I don’t believe any space should be too ‘stuffy’ or so ‘perfect’ that guests are afraid to touch anything. I also have a dog (who is allowed on the furniture) so everything must be pet-friendly, too! 

In her home, Sara keeps things simple and calm with neutral tones and subtle pops of visual interest, using color, patterns, and texture.

The images all over pinterest and instagram constantly give me the urge to paint every inch white and go very scandanavian and remove all color from my place. However... I don’t think I would realistically like that long-term. My apartment is fairly neutral but I do like a pop of color here and there. My bedroom is all white and muted pink accent of the rug and metallic elements keep the space calm and neutral and it’s really relaxing to come home to each night. 

Since the room is rental, Sara still keeps her design budget-conscious and smart.

I’m always willing to splurge on bigger staple pieces that I know I’ll use for 5-10 years or more. My bed frame and my sofa were both on the higher end of the price scale but I know they are quality investment pieces that I’ll use for years to come. I try to save on accessories and other elements in the apartment- scouring thrift stores and craigslist for great vintage finds. 

Sara, thank you for showing us around your home! And thank you, Laura, for the stunning eye candy.

At 550 square feet, Amira's Washington, DC space packs a serious punch with a seemingly small footprint. When you enter the door, it's not the decor that captures you, or the finishes, or furniture.

It's a feeling.

Amira set out to create an interesting space, one that accurately reflects her own global third culture kid upbringing in Egypt, Abu Dhabi, and New England and one that is warm, collected, and beautifully curated.

From Amira:

The most inviting homes, and humans, are sanctuaries that make us feel, and inspire us to be, our best selves. I love the Danish concept of hygge because its definition embodies the positive impact that environments can have on our well-being.

Things weren't always as curated as they clearly now are. When Amira moved across the world from Abu Dhabi six years ago, she defaulted to the same thing maybe of us do: the easy thing. She loaded up with items from big box retailers and called it a day. That all changed once she bought the home she lovingly refers to as the "treehouse."

I wanted to create a space that couldn’t be defined as anything but a place people wanted to spend time. Homes are personal - and, while I’m so inspired by many interior designers and the trends they embue, I was selective and patient in the process.

Making my home a delightful experience for my guests is a priority. Taking my time has allowed me to decorate with pieces that have stories I can share with guests, either because they’re made by artists I know personally or found on a memorable trip… or that I found at a neighborhood store where I’ve built relationships with the shopkeepers. Supporting local businesses and budding artists and makers has a huge influence on what I buy.

And so the collecting began. If you mutts have the same observations as me, you'll see that two elements in particular tie Amira's home together: #1 everything comfy & cozy (blankets, poufs, and pillows) and #2 PLANTS.

Let’s be honest. I love everything in my home, but Dolly’s the real star. She’s the graceful fiddle leaf fig tree you see in the photos. I brought her home before I had any furniture, so she’s been a faithful presence and has inspired my love of plants. I named her after my favorite florist Dolores, who found her for me. 

Other homeowner favorites: the mantle she created with found materials from a Leesburg, VA treasure trove; the round hallway mirror which she ran into traffic for at the Georgetown Flea Market; and the bright light of the dining nook.

It is all just so exactly right. Amira, we're giving you a big StyleMutt thumbs up and totally commend you for focusing on comfort and individuality with your space. We're hooked.